Be Human, #Indigenous is Human

Human beings, as a species, were brought into a world where the fundamental rule of survival was SHARING. No matter where we were, there was an eco-system, and it has thrived for millions of years on the principle of cooperation.

Yes, there will be those that get eaten, and those that eat, but looking at systems as a whole, animals and plants work together to maintain a habitat. If it were really “survival of the fittest” there would be one or two dominant species…bacteria would have sufficed. Instead the world flourished in diversity and there are still trillions upon trillions of undiscovered fish, reptilians, animals, birds, insects, plants, and bacteria.

Such diversity is reflected in our own cultural diversity. Humans are as crucial as trees. For instance, when Bushmen in Botswana moved back onto ancestral land (a national park) their hunting and gathering activities actually INCREASED animal numbers.

Ever have the experience where you [want] a cute pet, and you want so bad to feed an animal, or to cuddle it? Nowadays you just can’t do that without seriously endangering yourself or the animal. Our lifestyle is a prison. But, our instincts are still correct.

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We are a loving species, we see another cute animal and we want to say hello, we want to share our meal, we want to love it. In another space, this would facilitate a healthy interaction with the environment, along with an incredibly fulfilling learning experience. It is actually so easy for us to share.

The current ideal of “you protect yours, I’ll protect mine” is just not working out for us, or the world. We’re backed into a corner where we have to choose who to help and who to let suffer. It’s heartbreaking…most cant handle it…depression rates skyrocket, health declines, wars are resumed.
We are told we can’t love animals, we are told we can’t love enemies, we are told we can’t help everyone who asks, we are told we have to succeed at the expense of another, we are told the problems are too big, we are told this is progress. And yet our hearts clearly say otherwise, and so do the statistics.

We desperately to seek cures when the cause is unexplored. We have to remember…remember what it means to be human. To share. To love without inhibition. To enjoy learning again…

If ever you have the opportunity to love, do so and cherish it. It’s one thing mothers and children are quite good at. Be yourself.

Ever wondered what life's like in a remote tribal community? What tribal people have to say about the world? Tribal Voice, a project by Survival International, brings the thoughts and experiences of some of the most diverse societies on earth direct to your screen in real time. We're kicking off the project with tribes in Brazil. The Guarani, whose land has been stolen and destroyed by plantations and ranches, are now sending regular updates about their lives, and their struggle to survive. It's time to listen.

EcoPeace Middle East is a unique organization that brings together Jordanian, Palestinian, and Israeli environmentalists. Our primary objective is the promotion of cooperative efforts to protect our shared environmental heritage